Eurostar breaks are growing in popularity as the worsening economic downturn bites hard and many Brits begin to swap long summer holidays for two or three weekend breaks. You probably know that Eurostar trains travel to Paris, Brussels, Lille, Amsterdam and Disneyland Paris but have you ever thought about travelling even further and visiting these Eurostar destinations:

Nice

Nice is situated on the French Riviera and is the ideal Eurostar destination to take it easy on the white, pebbly beaches or swim in the sparking blue waters of the Mediterranean. Nice is a blend of modern urban energy and old world decadence. It has the best restaurants, an old city harbour, modern art museum, baroque churches and wonderful markets.

Cologne

Cologne is the fourth largest city in Germany and is situated in the North West on the Rhine. It is often referred to as the economic, historic and cultural capital of the Rhineland. Its famous cathedral took more than six hundred years to build and it is the largest one in Germany. Cologne is known for it's annual carnival celebrations and Karneval season starts on 11th November and doesn't end until Ash Wednesday. The local beer, Kölsch has left its mark on Cologne and goes down well with a Halve Hahn cheese roll.

Biarritz

Biarritz became famous when the wife of Napoleon 111 built a palace on the beach, now the Hotel du Palais and it is also a popular destination because of the Eugenie les Bains, natural springs. This is a great destination for the sports fans because of its excellent golf courses and surfing conditions - which are the best in France. The Musée de la Mer is a very interesting museum which houses twenty-four aquariums. A particular amusement not to be missed is seal feeding time. This destination has an active nightlife, a good mix of casual taverns, brassieres and formal dining. Souvenir hunters will delight in the hand made sandals (espadrilles), Basque tablecloths, jewellery and antiques. Walkers will love the Pyrenees.

Quimper

Quimper is in west France and is the capital of the Finistère region in Brittany, almost four hundred miles from Paris. This destination is a must for pottery collectors and you will love the bold provincial designs of Quimperwear. Quimper is the place where the Steir and Odet rivers meet and has winding cobbled streets, soaring Gothic spires, half-timbered houses and sturdy medieval ramparts.

Bruges

Bruges in Belgium is the European Capital of Culture. This destination can easily be compared to Venice. It has low romatic bridges, a picturesque skyline and a labrinth of waterways. This medieval city is beautiful and quaint with amazing architecture, cobbled streets, traditional souvenirs, lace making, hand made chocolates and wonderful canal cruises.

Copyright (c) 2009 directline-holidays.co.uk